The CSJ (cold solder joint) issues were somewhat chronic in the early production models. That was an issue created because of using an improper procedure of assembling the scanners at the manufacturing facility. I have an early production unit, and have not had any issues, including the CSJ. Uniden made a change during the initial assembly (I think maybe a couple of years ago, if not even farther back). While there may have been a couple of similar issues with later production models, they have not been numerous. As far as the malfunction knob controls, that has been occasional issue with other models as well, just not chronic, nor limited to, only the SDS scanners.
Anything electronic, or mechanical, can at times have problems. Just look at all the recalls and other issues on automobiles, including the high-dollar models. Of course, here in the forums, you are more likely to see a complaint from one or two owners, often repeated in multiple other threads. Those that have not had issues are less likely to repeatedly post that fact.
As far as dealers go, Bearcat Warehouse, ScannerMaster, and HRO are solid dealers, with good customer service even after the initial sale. Zip Scanners can be very problematic. Sometimes, buyers have had very good responses to issues. At other times, the process has been, to say the least, unacceptable. Ignoring customer questions and concerns, taking orders saying the product is in stock, only to later inform the purchaser it will not ship right away (that's after processing the credit card payment). You can, of course, also purchase through Amazon, if you know exactly what you want and don't need a lot of hand-holding from the seller. Dealer MTC (Main Trading Company in Paris, TX), also has been a good source based on comments posted from various purchasers. They often have a sale on one or more models, either for a discounted price, or with other items included at no additional cost. For a recent thread on them, see
this.
The programming process seems to scare some potential purchasers, but it's not nearly as foreboding that some people would have you believe, While there is somewhat of a learning curve, once the pieces come together it becomes second nature. In addition, there are a number of wiki pages, as well as threads here on the forums dealing with various aspects of the process. And there are also dozens of how-to videos on YouTube, and an
online manual somewhat more readable than the factory version. Also remember that, other than features specific to the SDS scanners such as the filters & the ability to enter a NAC for trunk system sites, the nuts and bolts of programming Favorites lists, systems, departments, and sites is exactly the same for both the x36HP as well as SDS series scanners. So, that's an even larger set of applicable information regarding programming than the SDS scanners alone.
